Adjustable product display system

ABSTRACT

An adjustable product display system includes a plurality of pusher mechanisms each positionable on a planar support surface in a coextensive spaced-apart manner for defining therebetween a product area with front and rear ends, wherein the product area is adapted to hold one or more products in a continuous arrangement. Each pusher mechanism is configured for magnetic engagement to the planar support surface, and includes a pusher having a contact portion, and a partition fixedly attached thereto proximate the pusher. The pusher is configured for applying a force via said contact portion on the one or more products to advance the products toward the front end of the corresponding product area. The system further includes means for retaining the one or more products against the contact portion of the pusher within the corresponding product area.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to product displays for consumer goods and products, and more particularly to an adjustable product display system for displaying goods and products to consumers for distribution or purchase.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Product displays have been used by retailers in the sale of goods or products from fixed locations such as a boutique shop, department or discount stores or kiosk. Such product displays are typically utilized in conjunction with shelves for holding a large number of products and maintaining the products in an orderly, upright arrangement to provide a visually pleasant appearance. The product displays generally comprise one or more shelf structures with each having one or more dividers to partition the shelf structure into sections for setting apart and holding different groups of products. The products are arranged in columns on the shelf structure within the respective sections. The use of sections enables the retailer to maximize or vary the number of products for display, thus allowing the customer to readily differentiate between the different products.

The sections of the shelf structure generally include specialized push mechanisms utilizing tracks to urge the products to a forward position, thereby further enhancing visibility and access for the customers. The push mechanisms are usually mounted on display trays each specially configured for holding products of particular sizes. The customer selecting a product can remove the forward-most product of the column in the display tray. The pusher mechanism moves the remaining products forward to the position previously occupied by the removed product. In this manner, the pusher mechanism ensures that the products remain readily accessible for the next customer.

Difficulties are manifested when the retailer needs to change the shelving configuration in order to add or remove product lines depending on demand or need. The product display trays and the associated push mechanisms are designed and sized to accommodate a particular size of product. If the size or type of product changes, the existing product display trays must be removed and replaced with other appropriately sized product display trays. Replacing the product display trays is usually a time consuming and labor intensive process.

Accordingly, there is a need for an adjustable product display system utilizing a pusher mechanism that is independently positionable directly on a planar support surface or shelf structure, while maintaining a clean and unobtrusive appearance. There is a need for an adjustable product display system utilizing one or more pusher mechanisms that can be selectively added or removed to readily accommodate products of varying sizes with minimal effort and time. There is a further need for an adjustable product display system utilizing a minimal number of different components to realize greater ease of use and fabrication, and lower costs, while effectively overcoming the difficulties encountered above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an adjustable product display system, which may be utilized, among other applications, for displaying goods and products to customers for purchase. The adjustable product display system includes a plurality of pusher mechanisms each positionable on a planar support surface (e.g., shelf) in a coextensive spaced-apart manner. The pusher mechanisms are positioned to define between adjacent ones a product area with front and rear ends, wherein the product area is adapted to hold one or more products in a continuous arrangement such as a column.

Each pusher mechanism is configured for magnetic engagement to the planar support surface, and includes a pusher having a contact portion, and a partition fixedly attached thereto proximate the pusher. The pusher is configured for applying a force via said contact portion on the one or more products to advance the products toward the front end of the corresponding product area. The system further includes means for retaining the one or more products against the contact portion of the pusher within the corresponding product area.

The system of the present invention utilizes a minimal number of different components for enhanced ease of use and fabrication, and requires little or no prior modifications to existing support surfaces. The system of the present invention is designed to display products in a manner that is enhances visibility and access to the products. The system of the present invention is further adapted for flexible modification to accommodate products of varying sizes in a quick and simple manner. Furthermore, the system of the present invention is simple, cost effective and reliable, while remaining readily configurable to meet required display requirements.

In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an adjustable product display system, which comprises:

a plurality of pusher mechanisms each positionable on a planar support surface in a coextensive spaced-apart manner for defining therebetween a product area with front and rear ends, wherein the product area is adapted to hold one or more products in a continuous arrangement;

the pusher mechanism being configured for magnetic engagement to the planar support surface, the pusher mechanism including a pusher having a contact portion, and a partition fixedly attached thereto proximate the pusher;

the pusher being configured for applying a force via the contact portion on the one or more products to advance the products toward the front end of the corresponding product area; and

means for retaining the one or more products against the contact portion of the pusher within the corresponding product area.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an adjustable product display system, which comprises:

a pusher mechanism being configured for magnetic engagement to a planar support surface, the pusher mechanism including a pusher having a contact portion, and a partition fixedly attached thereto proximate the pusher;

an end divider having a base portion configured for magnetic engagement to the planar support surface, the end divider being adapted for placement in a coextensive spaced-apart manner with the pusher mechanism to define therebetween a product area with front and rear ends, wherein the product area is adapted to hold one or more products in a continuous arrangement;

the pusher being configured for applying a force via the contact portion on the one or more products to advance the products toward the front end of the corresponding product area; and

means for retaining one or more products against the contact portion of the pusher within the corresponding product area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings are illustrative of embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention as encompassed by the claims forming part of the application.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable product display system disposed on a planar support surface in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a pusher mechanism forming part of the system for one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B is right side view of the pusher mechanism in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2C is a top plan view of the pusher mechanism in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view from the bottom of a pusher for one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a left side view of the pusher in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3C is a front elevational view of the pusher in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view from the rear of an end divider for one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4B is a left side view of the end divider in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4C is a top plan view of the end divider in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5A is a top plan view of a front fence for one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5B is a left side view of the front fence for one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a pusher mechanism forming part of the system for an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6B is a rear elevational view of the pusher mechanism of FIG. 6A in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 6C is a top plan view of the pusher mechanism of 6A in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an adjustable product display system, which may be utilized, among other applications, for displaying goods and products to customers for purchase. The adjustable product display system includes a plurality of pusher mechanisms each positionable on a planar support surface (e.g., shelf in a coextensive spaced-apart manner. The pusher mechanisms are positioned to define between adjacent ones a product area with front and rear ends, wherein the product area is adapted to hold one or more products in a continuous arrangement such as a column.

Each pusher mechanism is configured for magnetic engagement to the planar support surface, and includes a pusher having a contact portion, and a partition fixedly attached thereto proximate the pusher. The pusher is configured for applying a force via said contact portion on the one or more products to advance the products toward the front end of the corresponding product area. The system further includes means for retaining the one or more products against the contact portion of the pusher within the corresponding product area.

The system of the present invention utilizes a minimal number of different components for enhanced ease of use and fabrication, and requires little or no prior modifications to existing support surfaces. The system of the present invention is designed to display products in a manner that is enhances visibility and access to the products.

The system of the present invention is further adapted for flexible modification to accommodate products of varying sizes in a quick and simple manner. Furthermore, the system of the present invention is simple, cost effective and reliable, while remaining readily configurable to meet required display requirements.

Referring to FIG. 1, an adjustable product display system (referred hereinafter as “system”) identified generally by the reference numeral 10 is shown mounted on a planar support surface 12 (e.g. shelf) for one embodiment of the present invention. The system 10 is designed for displaying and dispensing one or more products 14 arranged in a continuous layout such as a column. The products 14 may be offered for sale or distribution to a consumer. The system 10 includes one or more pusher mechanisms 16 located on the support surface 12. The pusher mechanisms 16 are suitably positioned to accommodate the products 14 on the. support surface 12 in a manner to enhance viewing and access of the products 14 to the consumer. Once in the position, the pusher mechanisms 16 are attach securely to the support surface 12 to prevent or minimize unintended shifting or movement thereon. Thereafter, the pusher mechanisms 16 can be movably positioned in a simple manner to accommodate any changes in the sizes or number of products 14 and/or in the size of the display area of the support surface 12.

In particular, the pusher mechanisms 16 are adapted for magnetic engagement to the support surface 12. The support surface 12 may be composed of a magnetic material, preferably a ferromagnetic material such as iron, steel, cobalt, nickel, and the like. This magnetic interaction permits the pusher mechanisms 16 to be securely attached to the support surface 12 during display of the products 14, while allowing them to be quickly relocated during adjustment or modification as will be described hereinafter.

Each pusher mechanism 16 is arranged coextensively with one another in a spaced apart manner on the support surface 12, and defines a product area 18 with front and rear ends 20 and 22 for holding the products 14 in a continuous end-to-end arrangement or column. The product area 18 establishes a space for displaying the products 14 in a manner drawing the consumer's attention to the product 14, while the pusher mechanisms facilitates ease of restocking. The size of the product area 18 can readily be adjusted by moving adjacent pusher mechanisms relative to one another to accommodate the product 14.

The pusher mechanism 16 includes an elongate base 24 extending from the back end 22 to the front end 20 of the product area 18, a pusher 26 having a contact portion 28, adapted to slidably move along the length of the elongate base 24, and a partition 30 fixedly attached to the elongate base 24 proximate the pusher 26. The base 24 of the pusher mechanism 16 supports at least a portion of the product 14 thereon. The products 14 are placed proximate the front end 20 of the product area 18 with the pusher 26 positioned near the rear end 22 of the product area 18. The pusher 26 is biased toward the front end 20 of the product area via a spring mechanism as will be described hereinafter.

The contact portion 28 of the pusher 26 presses on the rear side of the products 14. A fence 32 is affixed to the support surface 12 at the front end 20 of the product area 18 to prevent the forward-most product 14 from advancing beyond the edge of the support surface 12. The fence 32 ensures the products 14 are retained against pusher 26 within the product area 18, and maintained in a fixed arrangement (e.g., a column) as shown. As shown in FIG. 1, the fence 32 is positioned laterally across the front end 20 of the product area 18, and securely attached to the support surface 12 via one or more fasteners 34. Any suitable fasteners 34 such as Christmas tree-type push-in clips, may be used as known in the art.

As the pusher 26 applies a force via the contact portion 28, the products 14 are securely retained in juxtaposition with one another within product area 18 between the contact portion 28 of the pusher 26 and the front fence 32. The pusher 26 constantly thrusts the retained products 14 toward the front fence 32 as the products 14 are removed. When the forward-most product 14 is removed, the pusher 26 moves the remaining products 14 forward to the position previously occupied by the removed product 14. To restock the product 14, the pusher 26 is retracted to the rear end 22 of the product area 18 as the product 14 is replenished.

The pusher mechanisms 16 each further include a bearing surface 42 extending along the length of the base 24 proximate the partition 30 for supporting at least a portion of the product 14 in an adjacent product area 18. The bearing surface 42 raises the product 14 off of the support surface 12 leveled with the base 24 of the adjacent pusher mechanism 16. The bearing surface 42 maintains the elevated product 14 straight and leveled in the product area 18, and minimizes the frictional resistance encountered by the pusher 26.

The system 10 further includes an end divider 36 having a bottom portion or base 38 adapted for magnetic engagement to the support surface 12, and an end partition 40 affixed to the base 38. The end divider 36 is adapted for placement on the support surface 12 spaced apart from the end pusher mechanism 16 in the sequence to define the corresponding product area 18. The end divider 36 further includes a bearing surface 44 extending along the base 38 proximate the partition 40 for supporting at least a portion of the product 14. The bearing surface 44 of the end divider 36 functions similarly as the bearing surface 42 of the pusher mechanism 16.

Referring to FIGS. 2A through 2C, the pusher mechanism base 24 includes a track 45 with a groove 46 extending longitudinally along the top surface thereof from the rear end 48 to the front end 50, and an insertion slot 52 proximate the rear end 48. The pusher 26 includes a projection 58 (as shown in FIG. 3A) extending from a bottom portion 72. The pusher 26 is engaged to a spring 74 (as shown best in FIG. 2B) such as a coil spring to bias or urge the pusher 26 toward the front end 50 as will be described hereinafter. The groove 46 is configured to receive and retain the projection 58 of the pusher 26 through the insertion slot 51. The groove 46 guides the pusher 26 as the spring (not shown) urges the pusher 26 from the rear end 48 to the front end 50.

The pusher mechanism 16 further includes one or more magnets 54 mounted to the bottom side of the base 24. In one embodiment of the present invention, the pusher mechanism 16 includes a first pair of magnets 54 attached proximately to the rear end 48 of the base 24 and a second pair of magnets 54 attached proximately to the front end 50 of the base 24. The magnets 54 are used to securely affix the pusher mechanism 16 to the support surface 12, while permitting the user to move the pusher mechanism 16 as necessary. Examples of suitable magnets include ceramic or ferrite, alnico alloys, ticonal alloys, rare earth magnets such as neodymium and samarium-cobalt, and the like.

As previously described, the spring 74 biases or urges the pusher 26 toward the front end 50 of the base 24. In FIGS. 2A through 2C, the pusher 26 is positioned at its forwardmost position adjacent the front end 50. This corresponds to the position the pusher 26 occupies when all the products have been removed from the product area 18. The pusher 26 is free to slide between the front and rear ends 48 and 50. The spring 74 includes a front end 76 is attached to the track 45 adjacent to the front end 50 of the base 24. The spring 74 extends through a spring aperture 78 located in the bottom end of the projecting contact portion 28 of the pusher 26, and into the area between a pair of gussets 56. The spring 74 is coiled behind the contact portion 28 of the pusher 26 (as shown best in FIGS. 2 b and 2C). As the pusher 26 is drawn toward the rear end 48 of the base 24, the spring 74 partially uncoils with the uncoiled portion being received by the track 45. Since the spring 74 is longer than the track 45, a coiled end remains engaged with the pusher 26 and the spring 74 continues to urge the pusher 26 and the products 14 toward the front end 50 of the base 24.

Referring to FIGS. 3A through 3C, the pusher 26 is shown for one embodiment of the present invention. Each pusher 26 is preferably a unitary member, and includes the upwardly projecting contact portion 28 for contacting the products, the bottom portion 72 supporting the contact portion 28 on the top surface of the pusher mechanism base 24, and the projection 58 extending downwardly from the bottom portion 72 thereof. The pusher 26 further includes a pair of gussets 56 for structural reinforcement between the contact portion 28 and the bottom portion 72. The engagement between the projection 58 and the groove 46 of the pusher mechanism base 24 ensures the pusher 26 remains securely retained thereon during operation.

Referring to FIGS. 4A through 4C, the end divider 36 is shown for one embodiment of the present invention. The end divider 36 includes the base 38, the partition 40 extending along the length of the base 38, the bearing surface 44, a rear end 60 and a front end 62. The end divider 36 is configured for placement in combination with a push mechanism 16 to confine the sides of the corresponding product area 18.

The base 38 includes one or more magnets 64 mounted to the bottom side of the base 38. In one embodiment of the present invention, the pusher mechanism includes a first magnet 64 attached proximately to the rear end 60 of the base 38 and a second magnet 64 attached proximately to the front end 62 of the base 38. The magnets 64 are used to securely affix the end divider 36 to the support surface 12, while permitting the user to move the end divider 36 as necessary.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the front fence 32 is shown for one embodiment of the present invention. The front fence 32 includes a lower portion 66 oriented horizontally, and an upper portion 68 extending vertically from the front end of the lower portion 66. The lower portion 66 includes one or more fastening slots 70 disposed therein for facilitating attachment via fasteners 34 to the support surface 12 as shown in FIG. 1.

The upper portion 68 functions to block or prevent the products 14 in the product area 18 from advancing beyond the front fence 32. The upper portion 68 may include an information display area 74 on the side opposite from the lower portion 66. The information display area 74 may be used to display information in the form of printed indicia. The information may include details and graphics associated with the products 14 offered by the system 10. The information may be presented in the form of electronic displays, printed indicia, drawings, pictures, illustrations, graphics, and the like.

Referring to FIGS. 6A through 6C, a pusher mechanism 80 is shown for an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The pusher mechanism 80 is similar in most details to the pusher mechanism 16 of the previous embodiment. The pusher mechanism 80 includes a base 82 having a raised track 84 such as a rail, and a pusher 86. The pusher 86 includes a pair of opposed C-shaped members 88 disposed at the lower portion thereof. The raised track 84 is configured to receive and accommodate the C-shaped members 88 of the pusher 86, whereby the pusher 86 securely straddles the track 84 for sliding movement thereon. The pusher 86 operatively engages the spring 74 is the same manner as described in the previous embodiment. The base 82 further includes two pairs of magnets 90 securely attached to the bottom side thereof.

The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from such discussion, and from the accompanying drawings and claims, that various changes, modifications and variations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. 

1. An adjustable product display system, comprising: a plurality of pusher mechanisms each positionable on a planar support surface in a coextensive spaced-apart manner for defining therebetween a product area with front and rear ends, wherein said product area is adapted to hold one or more products in a continuous arrangement; said pusher mechanism being configured for magnetic engagement to said planar support surface, said pusher mechanism including a pusher having a contact portion, and a partition fixedly attached thereto proximate said pusher; said pusher being configured for applying a force via said contact portion on said one or more products to advance the products toward the front end of the corresponding product area; and means for retaining said one or more products against the contact portion of the pusher within the corresponding product area.
 2. The adjustable product display system of claim 1 further comprising an end divider having a base configured for magnetic engagement to said planar support surface, said end divider being adapted for placement coextensively along the product area on the side opposite from an adjacent pusher mechanism.
 3. The adjustable product display system of claim 2 wherein the end divider comprises a bearing surface extending along the base for holding up one end of the product within the product area of an adjacent pusher mechanism.
 4. The adjustable product display system of claim 1 wherein the retaining means comprises a fence positioned laterally across the front end of the product area.
 5. The adjustable product display system of claim 4 wherein the fence is secured to the planar support surface via a fastener.
 6. The adjustable product display system of claim 1 wherein the pusher mechanism comprises: an elongate base having at least one magnet attached to a bottom portion thereof; a track extending longitudinally along a top portion of the elongate base for receiving said pusher; and a spring operatively engaged to said pusher and base for urging the pusher to slidably move along the track.
 7. The adjustable product display system of claim 6 wherein the partition is integrally attached to the base, and extends offset along the track.
 8. The adjustable product display system of claim 7 wherein the pusher mechanism comprises a bearing surface extending along the length of the partition on the side opposite from the track for holding up at least a portion of the product within the product area of an adjacent pusher mechanism.
 9. The adjustable product display system of claim 6 wherein the spring is a coil spring.
 10. The adjustable product display system of claim 1 wherein the planar support surface comprises a magnetic material.
 11. The adjustable product display system of claim 10 wherein the magnetic material is ferromagnetic.
 12. An adjustable product display system, comprising: a pusher mechanism being configured for magnetic engagement to a planar support surface, said pusher mechanism including a pusher having a contact portion, and a partition fixedly attached thereto proximate said pusher; an end divider having a base portion configured for magnetic engagement to said planar support surface, said end divider being adapted for placement in a coextensive spaced-apart manner with said pusher mechanism to define therebetween a product area with front and rear ends, wherein said product area is adapted to hold one or more products in a continuous arrangement; said pusher being configured for applying a force via said contact portion on said one or more products to advance the products toward the front end of the corresponding product area; and means for retaining one or more products against the contact portion of the pusher within the corresponding product area.
 13. The adjustable product display system of claim 12 wherein the retaining means comprises a fence positioned laterally across the front end of the product area.
 14. The adjustable product display system of claim 13 wherein the fence is secured to the planar support surface via a fastener.
 15. The adjustable product display system of claim 12 wherein the pusher mechanism comprises: an elongate base having at least one magnet attached to a bottom portion thereof; a track extending longitudinally along a top portion of the elongate base for receiving said pusher; and a spring operatively engaged to said pusher and base for urging the pusher to slidably move along the track.
 16. The adjustable product display system of claim 15 wherein the partition is integrally attached to the base, and extends offset along the track.
 17. The adjustable product display system of claim 16 wherein the pusher mechanism comprises a bearing surface extending along the length of the partition on the side opposite from the track for holding up at least a portion of the product within the product area of an adjacent pusher mechanism.
 18. The adjustable product display system of claim 15 wherein the spring is a coil spring.
 19. The adjustable product display system of claim 12 wherein the planar support surface comprises a magnetic material.
 20. The adjustable product display system of claim 19 wherein the magnetic material is ferromagnetic. 